JAKARTA, The PRAKARSA – Public policy research and advocacy institute The PRAKARSA highlighted the unilateral blocking of citizens' accounts by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK). Recently, the PPATK temporarily blocked a number of dormant accounts, namely those that had not shown any transaction activity for three months or more. The PPATK stated that this action was to prevent illegal activities and money laundering.
Ari Wibowo, researcher at The PRAKARSA He assessed that this action violates the principles of the rule of law and could fuel public distrust of financial institutions. "This blocking is a serious violation of citizens' constitutional and financial rights, and has the potential to disrupt the stability of the financial system," Ari stated on Friday (August 1, 8).
Ari further stated that the status of a dormant account alone cannot be used as a legal basis for blocking. "The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) does have the authority to block accounts if there are indications of criminal activity, such as money laundering. However, the status of a dormant or inactive account alone without clear indications of a crime cannot be a legal basis for blocking," he added.
In addition, the unilateral blocking is contrary to several regulations. "Blocking dormant accounts is contrary to regulations including Law Number 9 of 2013 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism Financing, PPATK Regulation Number 18 of 2017, Article 12 paragraph (2), and OJK Regulation Number 8 of 2023, Article 53 paragraph (4) where in essence the regulation gives the PPATK the authority to block accounts if there is indeed a suspicion of a crime," he explained.
Meanwhile, Roby Rushandie, an economist at The PRAKARSA stated that the account blocking has disrupted the economic activities of the affected communities. "The careless policy of blocking dormant accounts has made things difficult for the community, especially for those affected, especially those in rural areas who rarely make transactions due to limited infrastructure," Roby added. "This blocking action is likely to target vulnerable groups. "Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, retirees, informal workers, and those who have been laid off are at risk of having their accounts blocked," he said.
Therefore, Roby urged a comprehensive evaluation of this policy. "The government should evaluate the PPATK regulations and procedures to ensure there are no loopholes for abuse of power and ensure that blocking actions are based on a fair legal process, including a legally binding court decision," Roby emphasized.
Roby also suggested that the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and banks be selective in blocking accounts. "This should categorize dormant accounts that are at high risk of misuse to avoid targeting the wrong people. Furthermore, there should be a notification mechanism for blocked accounts, as well as a simple reactivation mechanism," he concluded.